A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Fan-Fiction Story - by Vicky
PART II
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise glides through an open starfield.
JEAN-LUC PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log – Stardate 53821.4. The Enterprise is en
route to Starbase six-two-eight for a schedule crew rotation before heading
on a routine exploration mission of the Rocleus system. We're still
two days from the Starbase, allowing the opportunity for the execution
of some side projects as well as some welcome downtime before our next
assignment begins.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. ENGINEERING – Following Morning
GEORDI LA FORGE kneels in front of an open access panel rearranging the computer chips and circuitry housed within. DATA is standing at the central control station inputting information from a data PADD.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Placing his hands on his knees.)
Try it now Data.
DATA
One moment.
(Finishes his input and sets PADD aside.)
I am initiating the transport simulation.
The panel La Forge was working on begins to spark. La Forge falls backward, shielding his face.
GEORDI LA FORGE
Stop, Data! Stop!
Data quickly ends the simulation and moves to La Forge's side.
DATA
(Helping La Forge to his feet.)
Are you injured, Geordi?
GEORDI LA FORGE
No, I'll be fine.
(Brushing debris from his sleeve.)
But it looks like we're back to square one. I thought for sure
the combination of new circuitry and chip rearrangement would increase
the transporter beam when interference is present.
(Pointing at the still sparking panel.)
Apparently I was wrong.
DATA
Perhaps we made too many modifications at once. It may be more
logical to test one hypothesis at a time to reach our designated goal.
GEORDI LA FORGE
Either way it's all trial and error.
DATA
(Tilting his head.)
Correction – educated trial and error. We do have information
on which to base our attempted transporter upgrades ...
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Holding up a hand to silence Data.)
I got it, Data.
La Forge turns and spots JR. LT. TARALIS in the engineering catwalk.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(To Taralis.)
Taralis, could you clean this up? Commander Data and I have a
lot more thinking to do.
JR. LT. TARALIS
Sure thing, Commander.
Taralis climbs down the catwalk ladder and walks to the now-defunct access panel.
GEORDI LA FORGE
(Heading toward his office.)
C'mon, Data.
INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS – Same Morning
WILL RIKER sits at his desk engaged in conversation with LWAXANA TROI via his desktop viewer.
LWAXANA TROI
Commander, you know it's not nice to play practical jokes on royalty.
WILL RIKER
I assure you I'm doing nothing of the sort, Lwaxana. I've never
been more truthful about anything in my life than I am at this very moment.
LWAXANA TROI
(Sighing.)
Well, I'm only sensing honesty from you but I'm also aware of your
history. I don't want Deanna hurt again because of you. Promise
me that?
WILL RIKER
Without a doubt. There's nothing more important to me than Deanna
... not even my career. My priorities have been changing as of late.
LWAXANA TROI
You have no idea how long she's wanted to hear you say that.
WILL RIKER
Am I to assume you approve?
LWAXANA TROI
(Waving in an off-hand fashion.)
Yes, yes. I know my daughter's crazy about you. Why, I
don't know.
WILL RIKER
(Taking a deep break of relief.)
Thank you.
LWAXANA TROI
All right, Will, enough about you – how's my dear Jean-Luc?
Riker lets out a hearty laugh as the conversation continues.
* * * * * * * * * *
INT. SICKBAY – Mid-Afternoon
BEVERLY CRUSHER sits at her desk staring at the wall, lost in thought. DEANNA TROI knocks on the archway of the office but fails to rouse Beverly's attention.
DEANNA TROI
(Stepping into the office.)
Anyone home?
(Placing her hands on Beverly's desk and leaning forward.)
Bev! Time for lunch.
Beverly suddenly snaps out of her reverie and is completely startled by Deanna's presence. Putting a hand to her chest, Beverly lets out a small gasp.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
Oh! Deanna ... sorry.
DEANNA TROI
Where were you just now? It seemed like you were on the other
side of the galaxy.
Beverly slowly nods her head in agreement. Sitting in an opposite chair, Deanna crosses her legs and places her interlaced fingers on her knee.
DEANNA TROI
Penny for your thoughts?
Beverly gives Deanna a quizzical look.
DEANNA TROI
(Light laughter.)
It's an old Earth saying – my father used to ask me the question when
he could tell something was bothering me.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Making eye contact with Deanna.)
I received a message from Cafry Duca at Starfleet Medical yesterday.
He's stepping down soon and wants me to take his place as head of Medical
in San Francisco.
DEANNA TROI
(Smiling.)
Congratulations, Beverly! That's great news.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
(Wearing a somewhat guilty expression and biting her lower lip.)
I'm actually thinking about accepting the offer.
DEANNA TROI
As you should. Doctor Duca obviously thinks you're the best candidate
for the position and I'm sure everyone on the Enterprise would agree
with that assessment as well.
Beverly rises from her chair and circles the desk. Crossing her arms, she leans against the front edge, facing Deanna.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
That's the struggle though – leaving my friends behind on the Enterprise.
It wasn't easy when I served a year-long stint at Starfleet Medical several
years back, let alone making it my permanent job. The decision would
be so much easier if I wasn't as close with you and the captain
and my staff and the other senior officers.
Deanna moves next to Beverly and places a reassuring arm around her shoulders.
DEANNA TROI
My advice: weigh the pros and the cons about accepting and declining
the position. After you've done that, follow your gut.
(Pauses.)
But whatever you do, don't regret the decision you're going to make
no matter who may be affected by it. Nothing good can come of that.
BEVERLY CRUSHER
Your advice will be taken under advisement, Counselor.
(Smiles.)
Now I don't know about you, but I'm starving. Shall we head to
lunch?
DEANNA TROI
(Chuckling.)
Most definitely.
– End Part II –
All "known" characters (c) Paramount, Star Trek: The Next Generation and all other relevant parties. This story was written for the enjoyment of other TNG fans and is not meant to infringe upon the copyrights of any of the aforementioned individuals.